TAKE FIVE: ama supercross finals

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 | 7:42 a.m.

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: www.unlvtickets.com (739-3267)

1. On the line

After 15 races in nine states, Suzuki's Ricky Carmichael and Yamaha's Chad Reed are tied for the Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series points lead heading into Saturday's season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium. James "Bubba" Stewart also is in contention in third place, five points off the pace.

The 20-lap main event will decide the champion in both the Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series - the 16 domestic races - and the Amp'd Mobile World Supercross GP, which includes two international races. Stewart holds a 12-point lead over Carmichael in the World GP standings.

2. Mr. Consistency

While Stewart (seven victories) and Carmichael (six wins) have dominated the top step of the podium this season, Reed has managed to tie Carmichael for the AMA Supercross Series lead with only two victories. Reed, who won last year's Supercross race at Sam Boyd Stadium, has finished off the podium only twice this season and has seven runner-up finishes.

3. Carmichael's take

"Anything can happen," Carmichael said of Saturday's season finale. "It's going to be exciting for the fans as well as the racers. I'm glad to be a part of it, and I'm just going to do my best, and hopefully it happens for me.

"It has been an amazing year, and I'm really happy with what I have accomplished this year. To be honest, I feel like I've won a lot more races than I thoug I would."

4. Reed's take

"Basically, 15 races mean nothing because Vegas is the one that counts," Reed said after tying Carmichael for the points lead last weekend in Seattle. "We all sat at the press conference in Anaheim (at the start of the season) and we all said we wanted to take it to Vegas; I don't know if any of us thought it was going to be this close.

"I think it's going to be fun, and I'm superstoked to have a shot at winning the title. I know I can do it if I ride the way I know I can ride."

5. Stewart's take

"I'm looking forward to Vegas and getting out there and battling against Chad and Ricky," Stewart said. "All I can hope for is that Ricky and Chad take each other out, and then I'll be sitting right there.

"To just be up here with these guys is an honor, and knowing that I'm only 20 (and) battling with the best guys out here means a lot. All I can do is my best. If I win the Vegas race and the world title, I can't really ask for anything else."